familiar cycle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "familiar cycle" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means a recurring pattern or routine that is well-known and recognizable. Example: Every year, the town goes through the familiar cycle of tourists flooding in during the summer months, only to quiet down again once the colder weather arrives.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It is an all too familiar cycle.

The Guardian

These actions represent a familiar cycle.

Harvard Business Review

It has become a familiar cycle in sports.

The New York Times - Sports

Less than a month after the tragedy in Orlando, a familiar cycle is setting in.

The Guardian - Opinion

A familiar cycle followed: users complained, Facebook apologized, and the program was modified but not eliminated.

The New Yorker

The dystopian veneer is entertaining, but before long you're back to the familiar cycle of shoot, move, take cover, repeat.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

At 51, she has been through life's familiar cycles: marriage, the birth of a son, divorce, new love.

The New York Times

Diplomacy between the United States and North Korea has gone through familiar cycles of long stagnation, followed by brief bursts of hope, and then inevitable disappointment.

The New York Times

The current crisis followed the now-familiar cycle.

The New York Times

In an all-too-familiar cycle, such students are much more apt to suffer, fail or even lash out at classmates and others, experts say.

The Washington Post

Like so many places that have dropped from, and re-emerged in, the traveler's gaze, this area of southwestern Cambodia is in the midst of a now-familiar cycle.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "familiar cycle" when you want to emphasize the predictable and recurring nature of a series of events. It's particularly effective when describing social, political, or economic trends.

Common error

Avoid using "familiar cycle" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "recurring pattern" or "typical routine" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar cycle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a recurring sequence of events or a pattern that is well-known or predictable, as Ludwig AI also indicates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "familiar cycle" is a versatile term used to describe recurring patterns and sequences across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely recognized. While often appearing in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. When employing "familiar cycle", remember to use it judiciously and consider synonyms like "recurring pattern" or "typical routine" to prevent repetition. Its effective use lies in highlighting the predictable nature of events, offering a framework for analysis and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-known pattern

Stresses the established and recognized nature of the cycle.

recurring pattern

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the sequence.

usual sequence of events

A more descriptive alternative, specifying the arrangement of occurrences.

common sequence

Emphasizes the typical order of events.

regular rotation

Emphasizes the cyclical and repetitive return to a starting point.

typical routine

Highlights the standardized and predictable nature of the actions.

repeatable loop

Highlights the iterative and unending nature of the cycle.

predictable course

Focuses on the anticipated progression of events.

established rhythm

Implies a consistent and recognizable flow.

customary process

Highlights the adherence to standard procedures.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "familiar cycle" in a sentence?

The phrase "familiar cycle" is best used to describe predictable and repeating sequences of events. For example, "The stock market often follows a familiar cycle of boom and bust."

What are some alternatives to using "familiar cycle"?

You can use alternatives like "recurring pattern", "common sequence", or "typical routine" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "familiar cycle" too cliché to use in formal writing?

While "familiar cycle" is widely used, it is generally acceptable in formal writing as long as it is used appropriately and not overused. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms if you aim for a more unique expression.

What's the difference between "familiar cycle" and "vicious cycle"?

While both describe repeating sequences, "familiar cycle" is neutral, referring to any repeating pattern. "Vicious cycle", on the other hand, describes a repeating pattern with negative consequences that exacerbate the initial problem.